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I too recently acquired a 97 540iA - a California origin car - that now has 77,000 miles. I have noticed that an exhaust-like smell comes thru the vents when we come to a stop at a stoplight. I was just wondering if this is similar to what Roachboy describes:
"The only prob I've had so far on my '97 540i is a leaky vapour barrier (I've only had the car for a couple of months)."

I don't know what a car vapour barrier is, but I've checked the cabin air filter box for leaks/holes but saw nothing.

Thanks for any help.

SF

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I too recently acquired a 97 540iA - a California origin car - that now has 77,000 miles. I have noticed that an exhaust-like smell comes thru the vents when we come to a stop at a stoplight. I was just wondering if this is similar to what Roachboy describes:
"The only prob I've had so far on my '97 540i is a leaky vapour barrier (I've only had the car for a couple of months)."

I don't know what a car vapour barrier is, but I've checked the cabin air filter box for leaks/holes but saw nothing.

Thanks for any help.

SF

maybe your valve cover gaskets are leaking, most likely at the back of the engine, it's leaking oil onto the exhaust manifolds causing the burning smell, most noticable when you're stopped.